When John and Melissa moved into their apartment twenty-four stories about Central Park, they knew they wanted the sweeping city views to take center stage. But the building, originally constructed as a hotel, had a walled-off kitchen, blocking the light that now floods the apartment. With baby Lia on the way, they set about renovating the kitchen and transforming the apartment into an airy, family-friendly space.

With the help of eco-conscious Nirmada Interior Design, the couple chose a natural, neutral palate, using wholesome materials that would be rugged enough to stand up to life with a small child. The kitchen wall came down, replaced by a long open bar made from GreenGuard-certified Ceasarstone quartz, which doubled the feel of the space. The cabinets are made from urea-formaldehyde free particleboard, and the paint and lacquer finishes are both low VOC. A beautiful backsplash of recycled glass, one of the couple’s favorite elements, finished off the kitchen with a warm touch of color just two days before Lia’s arrival.

The classic chrome furniture is upholstered with plush Crypton Green fabric, made from recycled polyester fibers that do a great job of repelling spills. All the lighting was replaced by CFL or halogen bulbs, with striking geometric fixtures that give the soft sparkle of a candle. The gentle glow illuminates the rooms without distracting from the city skyline, which can be bright enough to read by at night.